12/18/03

Dear Members,

I would like to personally thank each and everyone of you that expressed your sympathy, prayers, or gifts of love to my family, during the passing of my mother Helen Hubbard. Also, we wish improved health and recovery to members Paula Kirklen and John Allen during their illness. A very special thank you to all members that throughout the course of this year and previous years, have taken out special time and/or offered prayers for our deceased, bereaved, or convalescence members. This combined with economic and employment uncertainties, have been very hard times for some members and their families. Unfortunately, we all will experience some degree of similar times during which we appreciate the prayers, acts of kindness, love, and support, necessary to endure. One of the truest test of love, family, or friendship, is the bond and support during times of need or tragedy. N.W.I.C.C. has shown me that bond and support.

Our next full membership meeting of 2003 is Thursday December 18^th in the ballroom of Gary's Bennigan's Restaurant located at 500 E. 5^th Ave., at 6p.m. Following the meeting at 7:30p.m., we will have our Christmas Get Together, which will include music, cards, etc. and I have heard a rumor that a prize may be given to the best stepper couple. Please plan to attend and invite a friend or two (guest must be 25 and over please).

One of our immediate needs in bringing closure to this year is to focus on the importance of the following dates, while addressing these 3 financial concerns. First, will be anyone that owes dues or fundraiser debts, must pay C. Barbour by December 31st. UCCC 2004 dues will not be paid for members that have not paid these debts by January 10^th 2004. Second, is our Holiday Foodbasket / Toys for Tots fundraiser raffle. The raffle drawing will be held at our last 2003 full membership meeting at Gary's Bennigan's restaurant, on December 18^th at 6:00p.m. Members are ineligible to win these prizes and any ticket containing a member name will be destroyed. As a reminder, $50.00 of this Holiday Foodbasket raffle fundraiser, is mandatory for any member that did not meet the $250 minimum sales requirement in our 2003 UCCC Convention Ad Book effort. Those that cannot attend the meeting should contact B. Bowden, C. Gault, or send stubs and money with a fellow member that is planning to attend. Third and final, is anyone that intends to join the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC), will need to pay $21.00 (existing member) / $31.00(new member)/(spouse additional $10.00) to R. Clark no later than January 10, 2004. Attention to the above 3 items will greatly help our organization have a smooth transition into 2004.

I ask that each member use the form provided in this package to vote for the individual you fill deserves to be awarded 2003 Member of the Year. All members in good standing are eligible candidates for Member of the Year, except myself and anyone on probation (C. Brown, D. Brown, K. Singleton, and T. Wright) as of September 1^st 2003. Any member not on probation after September 1^st and in good standing (i.e. debts paid) can submit a vote to be counted to Matt Hatcher. All votes must be turned in to M. Hatcher no later than January 10^th 2004, and any mailed to him must have a postmark prior to January 10^th. The Member of the Year along with other recognitions will be honored at our banquet on January 31, 2004, cocktails 5:30–6p.m., dinner at 6:00p.m. The restaurant we will use is the Bennigan's restaurant, located at 500 E. 5^th Ave. in Gary. The menu is contained in this mailing along with a copy of our 2004 calendar of events, and current member list.

I want to thank all 29 members that made our Thanksgiving Foodbasket giveaway (20 individual baskets & bulk kitchen dropoff) a success. Primary recipients were the Gary shelters for battered women and children (Rainbow or Arc shelter). Our 2003 Christmas Foodbasket/ Toys-for-Tots, (on December 20^th) targets the following: Gary Neighborhood Service (300 W. 21^st Ave.) 12- 1p.m., City of Gary Dept. of Health and Human Services, and Shop With a Cop. We ask that all members planning to take part in food / toy distribution meet at Ultra store located at 61^st Broadway, in Merrillville, Ind. at 9a.m. December 20^th. In the future, as in the past, we welcome and will review all suggested qualified recipient shelters or individual family cases, this applies to all member communities.

Next, I want to congratulate M. Simpson on another successful coordination of NWICC’s participation in the 2003 Fall McCormick Place Chevy Vette Fest. Also, congratulations is in order to all show award recipients, and a special thanks to the numerous members that provided club support, carpooling, detailing, etc., and to S. Simon for stanchion construction. This show is one of the premier national shows, and prior to NWICC’s involvement, as many avenues, was systematically closed to noticeable minority show participants, but not patronage. A stage set in Chicago gives our members an excellent opportunity not only to proudly display our vehicles, but additionally to profess to a national audience grassroots ways that we a minority group, and others can attack struggles of our community family and youth.

Finally, our organization will submit a contribution to the trust fund of the 3 surviving children from the Courtney family on December 20^th. Once again I would also like to thank our club members that have supported the numerous calendar activities throughout the year, and for those that have not shared in that experience, you are missing a once in a lifetime pleasure that will give one a tremendous since of accomplishment and ever lasting memories. The need, gratitude, and pride of NWICC's community efforts have not diminished. As we enjoy and spread the spirit of giving during this holiday season, remember the greatest gift of all is to retain the spirit of faith, family, self, and community throughout the year. I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Yours faithfully,

Kevin Hubbard

Quote of the Month:

The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.

- W. James